AIHS has received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model of Care to people living with dementia and their caregivers across the State of Indiana.

As 1 of only 6 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) participating in this nationwide GUIDE implementation, AIHS has chosen to expand utilizing other AAAs.

GUIDE is a model of integrated clinical and social care offering ongoing support focused on improving the quality of life of individuals living alone with mild to severe dementia or living with their caregivers. Eligibility for this FREE program requires the individual with the cognitive impairment be on Medicare (Part A & B).

There's Still Time To Participate in the 2025 Caregiver Survey

The deadline to participate in our 2025 Caregiver Survey has been extended to Friday, March 13th.

The information gathered from the survey will be used to support updates and improvements to the services we provide to older adults and their caregivers.

In 2023, the respondents to the Caregiver Survey identified a need for dementia-specific respite services in the rural counties of northeast Indiana. This led to the launch of our Rural Respite Program serving Steuben and Whitley Counties, which is currently recruiting Volunteer Activity Assistants.

Caregivers, your voice CAN make a difference!

Get Help with Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

Aging & In-Home Services will be at the Parks & Recreation Community Center (233 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802) in the coming weeks to assist beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.

This counseling will be provided by a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Options Counselor at no charge. AIHS will be at the Community Center on the following Fridays:

• January 30, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
• February 6, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
• February 27, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
• March 13, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
• March 27, 9:00AM - 1:00PM

Please call the Community Center at 260-427-6460 to reserve a slot. RSVP is required to speak to an Options Counselor.

AIHS SHIP Counselor Mary Beers at the Wells County Senior Expo.

Is PACE Covered by My Medicare Advantage Plan?

Payment for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is typically traditional Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Advantage is not accepted.

Because it is currently Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, you may be eligible to sign up for traditional Medicare and qualify for PACE. Please consult a SHIP Counselor and PACE Enrollment Staff about your specific situation.

How to Enroll in Veteran-Directed Care

Veteran-Directed Care is a VA program that empowers Veterans to direct their own long-term care services. It allows Veterans to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible by providing them with a budget to purchase goods and services they need to support their independence. This includes the ability to hire, train and supervise their own caregivers.

To begin the enrollment process, Veterans must speak with their Primary Care Physician or Social Worker at the VA Medical Center. An assessment will be made to determine if the Veteran is a good fit for this program and then allocate a budget. Once admitted to the program, the Veteran will be assigned an AIHS Options Counselor who will assist in coordinating their services.

Join a Network of Organizations who Support People Living with Dementia in Northeast Indiana

Does your organization offer services that support older adults living with cognitive impairments and their caregivers? If so, we would love to have you join the Northeast Indiana Dementia Alliance (NIDA).

Led by AIHS Family Caregiver Program and Aging Brain Center Certified staff, NIDA's mission is to identify community needs, take steps to raise awareness of those needs and fill gaps in care.

NIDA meets once every quarter. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 3rd at 10:00AM at the Allen County Public Library Main Branch.

Thank you Meals on Wheels Drivers!

Our Meals on Wheels drivers delivered Emergency Meals in advance of the Governor's statewide disaster emergency declaration due to the severe winter storm, which prevented meals delivery on Monday. Service resumed the following day thanks to our driver's dedication!